I’m thinking about time . . . things past and things yet to come. I’m thinking about God’s sovereign control of time and of everything else. It’s comforting to know that God is in absolute control, not only of the “what” but also of the “when.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (ESV). The verses that follow list familiar examples of those seasons: “a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh,” and so on (vv. 2, 4-8). The writer could also have written “A time to begin, and a time to end.”
The year recently past was challenging, and the year recently begun will bring its own challenges. Every year does. Last year was marked by a wonderful meeting of our North American Ministerial Council. This year will be marked by another wonderful General Conference Convention. (Have you reserved a hotel room and registered for the convention? See page 4 for details.)
Last year was marked by concerns regarding the November 2023 transition of the International Ministerial Congress into the International Federation of the Church of God (Seventh Day). This year, GC members may be given opportunity at convention to decide whether or not the GC remains affiliated with the International Federation.
Last year during the February board of directors meeting, Executive Director Jody McCoy and I gave notice that we will retire from our current positions effective the end of the 2025 GC Convention. This year we will all learn who our successors will be. (Please bless them with the same gracious and patient support you have given Jody and me.)
A certain pastor read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, thought about life, and observed that God’s timing is sovereign, God’s timing is seasonal, and God’s timing often is surprising. I think that pastor is correct. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
— Loren Stacy
GC President
